Phosphate metabolism

Phosphate metabolism encompasses the integrated set of physiological processes that deliver, absorb, distribute, store, use, and excrete inorganic phosphate (Pi) in the body. Phosphate, mostly present as Pi, is essential for skeletal mineralization, energy transfer (e.g., ATP), nucleic acid synthesis, cell signaling, and acid-base buffering. Pi homeostasis depends on intestinal absorption, renal reabsorption/excretion, bone storage/release, and regulatory feedback involving hormones such as parathyroid hormone, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), and vitamin D. Systemic disturbances in phosphate metabolism are implicated in various diseases, most notably bone and mineral disorders, kidney disease, and vascular calcification. Key proteins/targets involved are sodium-phosphate cotransporters (e.g., SLC34, SLC20 family), PiT1/PiT2 transporters, and endocrine factors like FGF23 and Klotho[1][3][5][6]. "Phosphate metabolism" is a physiological process, not a specific molecular target, and cannot be assigned to a canonical molecule, receptor, or drug target category. Individual enzymes, transporters, and hormones within the pathway can be considered targets, but as a whole, phosphate metabolism does not fit the requested molecular structuring conventions[1][3][5][6].

Other names

Phosphorus metabolismPi metabolismPhosphate homeostasis